State Livermush Festivals of North Carolina: Shelby Livermush Festival and Marion Livermush Festival

by Amy Kemp
Government and Heritage Library, 2017

See also: North Carolina State Symbols and Official Adoptions main page

In 2012, the General Assembly designated the Shelby Livermush Festival as the official fall livermush festival and the Marion Livermush Festival as the official spring livermush festival. (Session Laws, 2012-29).

Selection as State Livermush Festivals

The bill to name the Shelby and Marion livermush festivals as the official fall and spring livermush festivals was sponsored by Senator Thom Goolsby of New Hanover. It passed in the house with a vote of 105 to 9 in the spring of 2012. The bill also recognized the official State Butterfly and the official State Mullet Festival.

About the Shelby Livermush Festival

The Shelby Livermush Festival, now referred to as ‘Mush Music and Mutts,’ is a two day October festival in Shelby, North Carolina. It was started by the restaurant Mack’s Liver Mush in 1985, and has grown considerably ever since. It is now combined with the annual Pet Festival and the NC Brew fest and Chili cook-off. Popular events include the NC brew fest & Chili cook off, the pet festival, the Foothills farmer’s market, The Little Miss Livermush contest, and the livermush recipe and eating contests. The festival also includes performances by regional musicians, a Kids Zone with activities and games, and plenty of food.

In 2009 the Shelby Livermush Festival was featured in the Travel Channel's tv series "Bizzare Foods with Andrew Zimmerman."

About the Marion Livermush Festival

The Marion livermush festival is a one day June event in Marion, North Carolina. It began in 2007 and is sponsored by Hunter’s Liver Mush. The festival is noted for its livermush eating contest and the hog calling contest. The event also includes performances by local musicians and inflatables for children.